Vehicle steering wheel mounted workstation apparatus

ABSTRACT

A method and associated apparatus of mounting an object such as a portable computer on a vehicle steering wheel provides an ergonomic workstation environment in a vehicle and an optimal operation environment for the object.  
     In a preferred embodiment, representatively incorporated as a vehicle steering wheel mounted workstation apparatus, the mounting method comprises of a proximal hanging member with elongated opening over the upper part of the steering wheel, at least two distal lower corner holders for holding the object in an inclined position over the frontal area of the steering wheel, an optional standoff under the apparatus for clearance and stability from possible protrusion existing on the steering wheel, a ventilation opening for an unrestricted air flow, and a wrist rest for ergonomics.  
     The mountable object is not limited to but includes any objects such a; portable processing devices of computation, entertainment, communication, or measurement as well as books and binders.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a method and anapparatus of mounting a platform for holding a work object on a vehiclesteering wheel and, in a preferred embodiment thereof, more particularlyprovides a method and an apparatus for securing and providing theworkstation platform for the operation of portable objects such as aportable computer on the vehicle steering wheel, while the vehicle isnot in operation. Furthermore, the present invention may improve theoperating condition of the object and the ergonomics of an operator.

[0003] 2. Background

[0004] Traditionally, there was a need for working with notebooks andreceipt logs in an automobile for field workers. However, since the lastdecade of the 20^(th) century, the use of portable computer electronicsand mobile devices has proliferated. For reasons of simplicity indescribing the present invention, the object in the specification willbe limited to the portable computer, although the object to be mountedis not limited to the portable computer; it may include a portableentertainment device, a communication device, or a test and measurementdevices.

[0005] Many professions perform tasks utilizing portable computers outof the office environment and thus necessitate in-vehicle utilization,only to find an inadequate and uncomfortable work environment, whichhinders productivity. This new in-vehicle workstation apparatus requiresnew workstation environment that is not an adopted concept from theoffice or borrowed from a lunch tray concept.

[0006] The new mobile workstation apparatus for a behind the wheeloperation of the portable computer should be easily portable, promoteproductivity during operation, possess a flexible design that fits acvariety of portable computer models, and be ergonomical. Unlike mostcurrent inventions, practical use of the portable computers in thevehicle does not require a flat, horizontal work surface or need a solidwork surface. Modern portable computers need a flexible and securemounting apparatus that can accommodate for multi-dimensional physicalaccess, conforms to cooling requirements of the various computer models,easy to mount and dismount a workstation apparatus and the portablecomputer, easy to carry around, and ergonomic to use in the parkedvehicle without restricting driver functions such as access to vehicledashboard controls. In present invention, ergonomic is a function ofviewing angle, data entry or operation control surface angle, access toother related control for the portable computer, and the dashboardcontrol needs in a parked vehicle.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0007] Typical vehicle steering wheel mounted tables, trays, platforms,or work surface inventions incorporate some method of mounting worksurface and another method of setting the portable computer on themounted work surface.

[0008] The mounting methods employed is usually hooks, straps, slots,pockets, sleeves or some variations thereof attached to a work surface.The work surface is usually horizontally flat which requires morehorizontal space between the steering wheel and the driver thantypically available when a driver of the vehicle is in normal drivingposition behind the steering wheel. In addition, cramped, flat worksurface necessitates uncomfortable arm and hand positions that are notergonomical.

[0009] In a typical driver's sitting position, the most comfortablekeyboard data entry position is between 100° to 170° incline at aboutmid-chest to mid-abdominal level without sliding a driver's seatbackward. At this position, a computer user seated on the driver's seathas the best viewing angle of a typical portable computer's screen,which is at or below eye level, about 12 inches away, and approximatelyperpendicular to the viewing angle. Many modern portable computers havecurved surface on the front edge and require access to the left, rightand front sides of the portable computer as well as open space forcooling, which requires open space to the front, rear, bottom and sidesof the portable computer. Furthermore, many vehicles have an air bag,horn button, and other vehicular controls, which may interfere with pastinventions.

[0010] Various steering wheel mounted tables, trays, platforms, andother various work surfaces have been developed, but many including theprior arts purposely designed for the use of a portable computer mountedon a vehicle steering wheel have different design concepts andoperational philosophy than the present invention.

[0011] For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 2,856,251 discloses a car tray havinga hanger and an adjustable tray joined by brackets with adjustablelocking screws.

[0012] The design is not relevant for use of the portable computer inmodern vehicles, due to lack of space between the driver and thesteering wheel required for having the horizontal tray. Furthermore, thehorizontal tray is not an ergonomic work surface for portable computeroperation in the vehicle.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 3,643,606 discloses a table structure for use inmotor vehicles. This design also suffers by utilizing a horizontal worksurface.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. Des. 319,357 illustrates similar concept to thepresent invention but it is made of a rigid material and its limitedscope of practical use with the modern portable computers. For example,many current portable computers have curved front surface and requiresaccess to the front edge, but Horne's design of ledge excludes stablemounting of a curved front surface and any access to the front surface.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,521 discloses a steering wheel mountedsupport for computer, printer matter, food, and/or beverage. This designis a good improvement from the previous arts but it also suffers from asolid surface and solid ledge. The solid base surface of the clip boardmay interfere with the air bag bump and may restrict air flow to thebottom of the portable computer. Moreover, the ledge of the tray is aflat, solid material which does not accommodate for a curved front edgefound on many portable computers, and it does not allow access tocontrols and openings on the front edge of the portable computer.

[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,026 describes a foldable lunch tray, whichhas no relevance to mounting and positioning a portable computer foroperation. Use of a combination of flexible and rigid material is ofsome significance, but as it is specified for use as a collapsible lunchtray, it suffers from the use of a flat horizontal tray for use with theportable computer.

[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,158 shows another lunch tray and work surfacecombination. But it is positioned too high for practical use of aportable computer mounted on the steering wheel with this design.

[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,145 utilizes the combination of a steeringwheel mounting by slot, a ledge on the bottom of the work surface forholding a work device on the platform, and a solid work surface. Thedesign is a good combination of concepts from other prior arts with thetilt adjust bar. However, it still lacks access to the front edge of themodern portable computer, and the ledge design cannot provide a stableplatform for curved portable computers. The use of a solid work surfacealso restricts airflow to the bottom of a portable computer, and easyportability.

[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,738 discloses a steering wheel mountablelaptop table. This is a clever tool. However, relying solely on slideresistance material to support a portable computer can be haphazard, andthe solid, flat base body may interfere with air bag bump.

[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 6,321,912 B1 illustrates similar concepts to U.S.Pat. No. 5,558,026 except it is in a brief case form of a compartment.The utility of this prior art is different to the present invention dueto its requirement for a horizontal surface and the enclosed side andfront edges of the portable computer precludes any extended portablecomputer operation due to airflow restriction and access to side andfront features. Also, the horizontal surface design is deemedun-ergonomic in behind the wheel operation of a portable computerwithout substantial readjustment of the driver's seat.

[0021] Other prior arts are either not relevant, nor do they present anynew significant concepts, and are not geared toward operation of aportable computer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0022] In carrying out the principles of the present invention inaccordance with an embodiment thereof, a method and an apparatus isprovided which permits the user to mount the apparatus that can hold theobject such as a portable computer onto the vehicle steering wheel at acomfortable and ergonomic position without readjusting seat positionfrom the driving position.

[0023] In broad terms, a method of mounting, hanging, holding or fixingthe work object such as the portable computer onto a vehicle steeringwheel while providing multi-dimensional access for operation whileproviding ventilation for the portable computer. Additional features ofthe present invention allows flexibility to work with an object whichhas odd shapes, to work on a steering wheel with a protrusion from thecenter of the steering wheel, and even allows attachment of wrist restsfor improved ergonomics for the operator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] For a clearer understanding of the present invention, referenceis made to the following description of the various exemplaryembodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings in which:

[0025]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle steering wheel mountedworkstation apparatus.

[0026]FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle steering wheelmounted workstation hanging on the steering wheel ready to support aportable computer on the vehicle steering wheel.

[0027]FIG. 3 displays a perspective view of a portable computer userbehind the wheel operating the portable computer seated in normaldriving position.

[0028]FIG. 4A displays rear of present invention illustrating howdetachable standoff can be attached to the present invention for avehicle steering wheel with protrusion on the frontal area of thesteering wheel.

[0029]FIG. 4B illustrates another method of attaching the detachablestandoff to the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 4C illustrates how standoffs can allow the steering wheelwith frontal protrusion to provide a plane of workstation apparatusplatform from a side view.

[0031]FIG. 5 is another embodiment of present invention with steeringwheel hanging flap, custom-positioned ventilation openings for theportable computer, and the wrist rest loops.

[0032]FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of present invention with arigid steering wheel hanging hook, the rigid holders for mounting aportable computer, and length and width adjustment system built into themain body of the present invention.

[0033]FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of present invention with anadjustable steering wheel hanging strap and loop holders for mounting aportable computer.

[0034]FIG. 8 illustrates rigid material embodiment of the presentinvention with ventilation holes and movable pegs, custom shapedholders, and rotating peg holders.

[0035]FIG. 9 illustrates another rigid material embodiment of thepresent invention with foldout steering wheel hanging hooks, portablecomputer foldout holders, and foldout standoff. This illustration showsthe addition of the wrist rests to be hooked in to main body of thepresent invention.

[0036]FIG. 10 illustrates single main strap based present invention withtwo adjustable bars with latches.

[0037]FIG. 11 illustrates another rigid main body implementation of thepresent invention with two corner holders connected by narrow shaped ribledge, yet it still provides access, airflow, and accommodation for theportable computer with curved front edge. Reference Numerals inDrawings:  1 steering wheel hanging strap  2 main body  3 corner holder 4 ventilation opening  5 stand off  6 plane of workstation apparatusplatform  7 steering wheel hanging flap  8 wrist rest loop  9 rigidsteering wheel hanging hook 10 Velcro 11 length adjustable system 12rigid corner holder 13 adjustable steering wheel hanging strap 14 latchfor adjustable strap 15 loop corner holder, fixed or adjustable 16 rigidsteering wheel hanging holder 17 holder mounting slot 18 guide slot forshaped holder 19 rotating peg corner holder 20 shaped corner holder 21rotating peg holder 22 mounting screw for holder 23 fold-out steeringwheel hanging hook 24 foldout corner holder 25 foldout standoff 26 wristrest attach hole 27 wrist rest 28 wrist rest attach hook 29 strap 29aloop corner holder formed by strap 30 adjustable bar 31 latch 32connected corner holders with shaped rib ledge 33 hinged corner holderfor side access

OBJECTS and ADVANTAGES

[0038] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of present inventionare a methodology and the apparatus designs that:

[0039] 1. Accommodates the various shape and size of the portablecomputers.

[0040] 2. Provides access to multiple sides of the portable computer forcontrol and operation of the peripherals.

[0041] 3. Provides open space for airflow around the portable computerfor optimal operating conditions.

[0042] 4. Provides a workable platform even if top of the steering wheelhas a protrusion which creates uneven surface area.

[0043] 5. Allows for a unique ergonomic environment specifically forin-vehicle work situations, which increases productivity.

[0044] Further objects and advantages are to provide an apparatus whichis easy to attach, and release from, the vehicle steering wheelintuitively without any tools, easy to carry, and which is fool proof touse. Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from aconsideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Illustrated in FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle steeringwheel mounted workstation apparatus, which embodies principles of thepresent invention. It is shown in a perspective view sketch for thepurpose of clarity. Dashed lines are used to show hidden features.

[0046]FIG. 1 shows the basic concept of the present invention. Itconsists of a steering wheel hanging strap 1 to hang present inventiononto the steering wheel. The corner holders 3 hold the corners of theportable computer and transfer the weight load to the main body 2. Mainbody 2 connects a steering wheel hanging strap 1 and the corner holders3 together and provides a workstation mount mechanism for a portablecomputer onto the steering wheel as shown in FIG. 2. See FIG. 3 forbetter rendition of present invention in operation. In presentinvention, choice of material includes but not limited to fabric,polymers, metal, leather and wood.

[0047] Some vehicles have a protrusion on the center frontal surface ofthe steering wheel for an airbag and/or for horn. Whichever thesituation for existence of the protrusion, detachable standoffs 5 can beused as shown in FIG. 4-A or as shown in FIG. 4-B for protrusionclearance needs. The detachability of standoff is shown with Velcro 10in FIG. 4-A and FIG. 4-B, but multiples of equivalent standoffs 5 can beutilized here.

[0048] There are numerous methods available to hang the apparatus to thesteering wheel, the steering wheel hanging flap 7 in FIG. 6, a rigidsteering wheel hanging hook 9 in FIG. 6, an adjustable steering wheelhanging strap 13 in FIG. 7, rigid steering wheel hanging holders 16 aspart of the rigid main body 2 in FIG. 8, foldout steering wheel hooks 23in FIG. 9, and a single strap 29 which hangs to steering wheel and alsoforms loop holders 29 a in FIG. 10. The typical steering wheel diameterranges between 35.5 cm to 39.4 cm, the steering wheel hanging mechanismwill be appropriately dimensioned for proper fit on most of thevehicles.

[0049] The corner holders 3 can be implemented in many forms. Some ofthe illustrations are a rigid corner holder 12 in FIG. 6, a loop cornerholder 15 in FIG. 7, a peg corner holder 19, a custom shaped cornerholder 20 with a guide, a rotating peg corner holder 21 in FIG. 8, afoldout corner holder 24 in FIG. 9, a loop corner holder 29 a formedfrom a main strap 29 in FIG. 10, and a connected corner holder withshaped rib ledge 32 in FIG. 11. The loop corner holders 15 and 29 a canbe fixed or adjustable type.

[0050] The length adjustable system 11 can be used to lengthen or widenthe main body 2 as shown in FIG. 6. The system can use various methodsof adjustment including but not limited to Velcro, latches, zippers,slides, hinges, and snaps.

[0051] The implementation of ventilation opening 4, whether built intothe main body or the apparatus is constructed in such a way theventilation air flow of the portable computer is unrestricted, isnumerous, but the concept and inclusion of the feature is important inpresent invention.

[0052] The detachable standoff 5 in FIG. 4 and the foldout standoff 25in FIG. 9 are implemented to create clearance and to provide stabilityfor proper operation of whole present invention with a portable computerwhen a vehicle steering wheel has a protrusion in the center top frontalarea of the steering wheel.

[0053] The wrist rest loop 8 in FIG. 6 is attached to the main body 2,and it can be fixed or adjusted for varying arm and hand sizes. Thewrist is slipped from under the loop to hold one's arms in suspendedform. The wrist rests 27 in FIG. 9 are attached to the main body viainserting the wrist rest attach hooks 28 into the wrist rest attachholes 26 and sliding down to lock in place. The wrist rest 27 can beflexible or solid and shaped for one's arms to rest during data entry.The wrist rest loop 8 or wrist rest 27 provides arm muscle relief duringextended data entry operation in driver's seat with present invention.

[0054]FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of present invention, whichis formed out of a single main strap 29 and two adjustable bar 30 withlatches 31. The main strap 29 with its' midsection and the topadjustable bar forms loop similar to a steering wheel hanging strap 1 byclamping the latches 31 on the end of the top adjustable bar 30. Thebottom adjustable bar 30 is clamped when proper length away from the topadjustable bar 30 suitable for one's portable computer, and appropriatesize of corner loop holder 29 a is formed and attached to the ends ofthe bottom adjustable bar 30.

[0055] All foldout components, latches, and hinges are designed in sucha way that it snaps or locks into position as needed.

[0056] The present invention enables the operator to ergonomically use aportable computer when a vehicle is at rest, not operating, and whileseated behind the vehicle's steering wheel. The portable computer is arepresentative device of present invention, but it can be any mobiledevice with processor for computation, entertainment, communication, ormeasurement.

Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope

[0057] Accordingly, the reader will see that the vehicle steering wheelmounted workstation apparatus of this invention can be used to mount aportable computer easily, intuitively, with good stability whileproviding access to multi-dimensional openings and control of varioussizes and shapes. In addition, the present invention is easy to carryand compact. While above description contains many specificities, theseshould not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention,but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment there ofMany other variations are possible. For example, the present inventioncan be designed to mount multiple portable devices on the apparatus, ormay have dual steering wheel hanging strap for mounting small deviceswhile driving, or may have pockets for carrying small non-displaydevices for communications, or holders can be of various shapes, sizesand materials, or the apparatus assembly made into various size fordifferent portable devices.

[0058] Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined notby the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and theirlegal equivalents.

[0059] The foregoing detailed descriptions should not be construed aslimiting the scope of the present invention but, is to be clearlyunderstood as providing illustration of preferred embodiments. Thespirit and scope of the present invention should be determined by theappended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than solely by thegiven illustrations.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle steering wheel mounted workstationapparatus detachably hanging on said vehicle steering wheel comprising:an upper proximal steering wheel hanging member with predetermineddimension that is less than the diameter of said steering wheel for thepurpose of securely hanging the apparatus assembly and a mounted objecton to said vehicle steering wheel; a lower distal corner holder memberor plurality of said members to mount the object with distinguishablecorners, curved sides and multi-dimensional access requirements on theplane of workstation apparatus platform; means for joining said cornerholder members distally planar from said proximal steering wheel hangingmember at appropriate distance so as to be able to provide a stableplatform for the mounted object on the steering wheel.
 2. The apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein said plurality of lower distal cornerholder members are connected by the rib or ledge with conformal shapeand openings to accommodate mounting the object with curved sides andmulti-dimensional access requirements on the plane of workstationapparatus platform;
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein themain body of the apparatus or the apparatus as a whole assembly containsan opening or holes to provide unrestricted airflow for the mountedobject's ventilation requirements.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein the standoff or any similar functioning devices attached to themain body of the apparatus for purpose of providing physical andfunctional clearance, and open space for improved ventilation.
 6. Theapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus has the capabilityof an optional wrist rest or similar functional devices for ergonomicsand relief of arm muscle and related muscle fatigue arising from theextended operation of a mounted object's functions.
 7. The apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein the upper proximal steering wheel hangingmember is in form of a strap, loop, flap, hook, ledge, or any variationthereof with certain dimension that is less than the diameter of thesteering wheel for purpose of hanging the whole apparatus and a mountedobject on to the said vehicle steering wheel conformably and securely.8. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the lower distal cornerholders are in the form of loops, latches, pegs, foldout holders,pivotably mounted holders with pegs or any variations thereof to mountobjects with distinguishable corners, curved sides and multi-dimensionalaccess requirements on the plane of workstation apparatus.
 9. Theapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the components of the abovedescribed apparatus have optional adjustability designed in, whether itbe the steering wheel hanging member, the corner holder members, themain body, the standoff or any other parts, having features to lengthen,widen or heighten the various components.
 10. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the material of apparatus has the characteristics offlexibility, compressibility, fold-ability and rigidity for the bestfunctionalities, which includes but not limited to fabric, polymers,metal, and other synthetic and natural materials. whereby said apparatusassembly will mount by hanging conformably and securely on the steeringwheel, and whereby said apparatus assembly will provide a stableworkstation platform for the mounted said object of various shapes anddimensions on the steering wheel at a proper orientation to perform theintended functions of the mounted said object ergonomically on thesteering wheel, and whereby said apparatus assembly will provide multidimensional access to the features of said object and permitunrestricted airflow for proper operation of said object on the steeringwheel.